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Tait Arend appointed interim director of alumni engagement

Elon alumnus and current staff member began new duties March 11.

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Elon staff member Tait Arend ’96, G’00 has accepted a new position in university advancement, serving as interim director of alumni engagement effective March 11. Chief among his duties will be moving Elon forward in its strategic goal of developing innovative programs that advance and support alumni.

Arend will oversee the Office of Alumni Engagement’s efforts to open a new Alumni Welcome Center in the heart of campus, grow The Elon Network on LinkedIn and lead a dynamic staff in the creation of new engagement opportunities for Elon alumni.

“Tait’s background and leadership abilities will catapult us forward in many of our goals as we work toward building a vibrant alumni network,” said John Barnhill ’92, assistant vice president of university advancement.

Arend will hold the position until May 31, 2014, when he will rejoin the major gifts team. The search for a permanent director of alumni engagement will begin January 2014.

Arend brings to the position nearly 17 years of experience in higher education, consulting and sales. He joined Elon in March 2009 as a major gifts officer, becoming associate director of major gifts in February 2012. During this time, Arend served as liaison to Elon’s School of Education and was part of the team that completed the successful Ever Elon campaign.

Arend also served Elon from 1996 to 2001 as director of service learning and director of leadership development at Elon. He earned both a bachelor’s degree in human services and master's degree in business administration from Elon.